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      Man filmed alongside David Coote in anti-Liverpool rant suspended from his job at company with links to Man Utd

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      THE man who filmed David Coote’s anti-Liverpool rant has been named and reportedly suspended from his job.Footage emerged on Monday of Premier League referee Coote making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp and his former side.David Coote was suspended by the PGMOL for his comments about KloppCredit: XThe person who filmed him, Ben Kitt, has also been suspended by his companyKitt is a former Nottinghamshire County Cricket playerCredit: FacebookCoote, 42, has been suspended by the PGMOL pending an investigation.Now the person responsible for filming the video, named as Ben Kitt, has also been suspended from his job, report The Telegraph.The former Nottinghamshire cricketer is being investigated by his employers, executive recruitment firm Forsyth Barnes, whose clients include Manchester United and Real Madrid.Kitt is heard saying in the clip: “Long story short: Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b***ends and we hate Scousers.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForsyth Barnes co-founder Roheel Ahmad said in a statement to the Telegraph: “Forsyth Barnes understands that the leaked video of David Coote includes one of its employees, Ben Kitt.“This is something that we are taking very seriously and we have suspended Ben on full pay while we investigate further.“Although we are still in the process of gathering all the facts, we do know for certain that the video was taken some years before Ben became an employee of Forsyth Barnes.“In his time with the business, Ben has demonstrated a strong [work] ethic and dedication to his career. He has matured considerably and grown into a responsible young man.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”“To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, Forsyth Barnes will not be making any further comments.”A spokesman for the firm said Kitt did not wish to comment on the video, while Coote is also yet to respond.Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantIn the clip, Coote can be seen branding the Merseyside club “s**t” and calling Klopp a “c***” while in conversation with Kitt.Referencing a match between Liverpool and Burnley in 2020, Coote added: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he (Klopp) accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant.”He later said in a separate video: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”Coote has since admitted the video is of him but “cannot recall” making it.The ref has been excluded from Uefa’s match list for the upcoming Nations League fixtures this week. More

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      Fresh heartache for George Baldock’s family over late defender’s official cause of death

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      THE family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache yesterday over his official cause of death.They were told it could be months before they know for sure what killed the Panathinaikos defender last month.Football ace George was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in AthensCredit: ReutersSheffield United players paid tribute to their former starCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old former Sheffield United player was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in Athens.A report detailing toxicology and histology results will be prepared but is unlikely to be ready until the new year.Dr Grigoris Leon, of the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine, said: “The release of official findings could take months.“There are only five people with the expertise to conduct microscopic tests in Greece.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCK“The cause of his death is very likely to have been pathological and related to the heart.”Baldock, who signed for Panathinaikos in the summer, was repatriated to the UK and laid to rest a week ago.Mourners included former England midfielder Dele Ali.Baldock, known to fans as Furious George due to his all-action playing style, made over 200 appearances for the Blades.Most read in FootballHe also won 12 caps for Greece.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31The family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache over his official cause of deathCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet pinpoints exactly what went wrong for England in shock loss… and warns it could happen again

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      FORMER Greece manager Gus Poyet claims England’s shock loss at Wembley was down to interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up and all the managerial drama.The Greeks upset the Three Lions with a 2-1 win last month in the Nations League after a brace by Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis, despite an brief equaliser by Jude Bellingham, and dedicated the win to team-mate George Baldock just 24 hours after his sudden death.Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet warns England could lose again at Athens due to their opponents’ unityCredit: SportsfileEngland lost to Greece at Wembley amid managerial dramaCredit: AlamyPoyet believes England interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up contributed to the lossCredit: AlamyThe two teams meet again on Thursday in the return fixture at Athens’ Olympic Stadium – also known as OAKA – in the first match after Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new full-time manager.Poyet, 56, suggests it’s a good thing the national team finally know who Gareth Southgate’s successor is as he believes the uncertainty took a toll on the player’s mentality.The Chelsea and Tottenham legend also expects Carsley, who will oversee the matches against Greece and Finland before Tuchel takes over in the new year, to name a much more balanced line-up at OAKA.The ex-Brighton boss suggested Carsley simply tried to accommodate all of his best players, which is almost impossible for any manager to do at international level.Read More on FootballThe 50-year-old coach tried out a controversial, ultra-attacking formation that saw Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon having to start in deeper roles, while Bellingham was placed up front instead of in-form strikers Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Freebets.com: “The mental side is very, very important. I think there were too many things going around publicly about England and the coaches and which one [will be in charge] and how it’s going to be. “Everybody saw after that game the FA decided to name Tuchel, which means it [the info] was inside the camp, that feeling. And nobody knew the future of the national team. “And it’s true that on the pitch, normally, it doesn’t affect the players when you are playing because you are not thinking about anything else. But the previous days, the previous hours and the after hours, it does. Greece put up a magnificent plan from the coach and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They understood exactly what they needed to do, and then in key moments of the game they took advantage. And that’s always important. You know, there are little things that need to go for you in certain moments, and they totally served well.”I think that for whatever reason, the coach in place tried something that most people in football were saying, that it was not possible to play everybody. Going back to my time, when they used to say Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and [Paul] Scholes, they can play together. England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked “Whatever it was here was the same. Everybody wanted to see everyone in somehow. Apparently that was the correct game to do it, and at the end it was clear that it was not. “So maybe, you know, sometimes we make decisions as coaches. We believe that playing all your best players, it makes a team. And sometimes it doesn’t, almost all of the time.”That was one of the biggest mistakes I made in one of my clubs, to try to accommodate all the very good players somehow into the pitch and put in there like a puzzle and it doesn’t work like that. “You know, a team needs to have some shape, some characteristics, some people who are going to be good at the ball, and some that are going to be good without the ball. And I think that somehow didn’t work for England.”Poyet believes the loss at Wembley absolutely proves England can lose again in Athens, which would see them missing out on first place in Group 2 and being dealt a severe blow to their 2026 World Cup plans.The former Sunderland boss knows Greece very well as he managed them for two years and transformed them as he promoted them to League B, only just missing out on Euro 2024 qualification in the play-off final at Georgia, which led to his exit.’England know they can lose’And he is adamant his successor at the helm Ivan Jovanovic has put together a smooth transition that sees his team being much more clinical on the pitch.Poyet added: “Now they know that they can lose and that’s enough. It’s gonna be a totally different game. I think the first game is always a surprise. This one is going to be different”For Greece, it’s going to be amazing. I think the progress that we made in two years and the intelligence of Jovanovic now taking that forward with his own style, but without changing too many players, is being proven absolutely right. “Go back two years and a half when I arrived, and there was seven or eight thousand people at OAKA . Now it’s going to be full. “It means that group of players are going places, and that shows that it was something right, and that the people got excited. So it’s going to be a great opportunity to see if it’s possible to repeat that magical moment at Wembley.”Poyet warned England, who saw Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Palmer, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale pulling out, the main ingredient that could cause another upset is the Greek players’ unity.Greece unity can cause another upsetThe likes of Cardiff’s Manolis Siopis, Newcastle’s Odysseas Vlachodimos, Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, West Ham’s Dinos Mavropanos, captain Tasos Bakasetas and Premier League target Fotis Ioannidis have been playing together for years.And the game will be taking place in front of a sold out OAKA, filled with passionate Greeks that have fallen back in love with their national team following 10 years of hurt.Poyet said: “The unity of the group, for sure, 100 per cent, [can lead to an upset] because it’s there and continues to be there.”I think when you play against a team like England, which is one of the top teams in the world, you need to be practically perfect, no mistakes. “And you need to be on the day to bring down the difference between the two teams. So you need to be clinical. Greece was clinical at Wembley, READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to make sure that everybody is in a high level. You just say, what a big decision for the coach you know, to play Pavlidis or to play Ioannidis [up front] – probably both will play part of the game. “So there is plenty of things that they need to be decided yet, and it will depend on what the two managers pick and decide how to play this game.” More

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      Ruben Amorim gets immediate Man Utd injury boost as forgotten star plays for first time in SEVENTEEN MONTHS for u-21s

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      TYRELL MALACIA has finally made his long awaited return from injury after SEVENTEEN months.The left-back featured for Manchester United Under-21s in their Bristol Street Motors clash with Huddersfield.Tyrell Malacia has made his return from injury after 17 months outCredit: GettyHe featured for Man Utd Under-21s against HuddersfieldCredit: RexMalacia started alongside United’s youngsters but lasted just 45 minutes in the 3-1 defeat, which knocked the Red Devils out of the competition.For Malacia, 25, it was his first appearance in 17 months.He returned to training in September and was given a hero’s welcome by his team-mates after being sidelined for so long.His last competitive fixture came for the Netherlands in a June 2023 Nations League game before he went under the knife for a knee injury a month later.READ MORE ON MAN UTDComplications following the surgery meant he was forced to undergo a second procedure that kept him out of action for even longer.He has been training for the past few weeks with United first releasing footage of Malacia jogging.After more than a year out of action, he was given a player tunnel initiation where he ran through a crowd of team-mates and had his head playfully slapped.Malacia could still take a while to get back up to speed but his return is a boost for incoming boss Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Portuguese started in his new post on Monday and was seen alongside sporting director Dan Ashworth at Carrington.And it has not taken him long to make an impact as he has already axed assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      David Coote facing highly unusual FA charge for use of word ‘German’ in furious Jurgen Klopp tirade

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      REFEREE David Coote may face an unusual FA charge after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.The shocking clip, which appears to be at least two years old, emerged showing Coote, 42, branding Klopp a ” German c**t” and Liverpool as “s**t”.Referee David Coote may face an unusual FA charge due to “reference to nationality”Credit: GettyCoote may be charged after his furious tirade towards ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen KloppCredit: APDavid Coote admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is authenticCredit: XWithin a couple of hours of it first being circulated publicly, it was announced the ref had been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation” by the PGMOL.Now, according to The Times, the FA will make their own separate probe for the use of the word “German” and that could lead to an aggravated misconduct charge.That is because references to a person’s nationality can lead to stiffer sanctions.FA rules state that an “aggravated breach” includes a reference “whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality”.Read More on FootballAn FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the matter, and we are investigating.”The clip could prove to be the end of Coote’s refereeing career.SunSport understands Coote “cannot recall” abusing Klopp in the video rant.But the Nottinghamshire official is not denying the accuracy of the footage.Most read in FootballIn the video circulated online, Coote also said: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f*****g pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant. Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s careerShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.””So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is alright, I get on with him.”You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my God, German c**t, f**k me.” More

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      Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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      Premier League club ‘axe majority of scouting team’ in shock transfer overhaul as rivals left ‘intrigued and surprised’

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      BRIGHTON have reportedly axed the majority of their scouting team in a huge overhaul.The Seagulls have earned acclaim for their recruitment in recent years, finding obscure gems like Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Marc Cucurella and turning them into big-money players.Brighton have shaken up their recruitment departmentCredit: GettyOwner Tony Bloom is said to trust data over humansCredit: AFPIt has also seen Brighton become not just an established Premier League team, but one pushing for European qualification.However it is understood Brighton have revamped their model and got rid of the majority of their scouts, according to The Telegraph.Three full-time scouts have been axed with others redeployed as owner Tony Bloom switches focus to a secretive data-driven model, with the Brighton owner said to trust the numbers more than humans.Brighton work with Jamestown Analytics, an offshoot of Starlizard – Bloom’s company which specialises in betting and sporting predictions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJamestown are believed to work with several Prem clubs but their agreement with Brighton grants the south coast club exclusivity with regard to certain data.One source explained to Telegraph Sport: “Scouting is far more than just spotting good players. “It’s looking at a player live in terms of his leadership, willingness to run when the team is losing, finding out what kind of personality he has and talking to people about him. “Is he on time every day or late to training? Data cannot pick all of that up and it’s hugely important when investing in players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It is also often the scouts who develop relationships and build networks that lead to recommendations and tips about various players that, again, data may not be able to provide. Ideally, clubs use data alongside scouting and both can complement one another.”Brighton have reportedly retained one scout to carry out intelligence and background checks on players.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem More

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      Alejandro Garnacho told ‘football isn’t for you’ after Man Utd star’s ‘self-indulgent’ non-celebration against Leicester

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Alejandro Garnacho was slammed by Troy Deeney for refusing to celebrate his “unbelievable” goal against Leicester.Garnacho, 20, rounded off a stunning 3-0 win over the Foxes with an immaculate curling shot from long range on 82 minutes.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunner against LeicesterCredit: APGarnacho refused to celebrate Man Utd’s third goal against LeicesterCredit: GettyGarnacho didn’t hail his goal as he felt he is ‘losing faith of some Man Utd fans’Credit: AlamyTroy Deeney slammed Garnacho’s refusal to celebrate and didn’t hold back on his criticismCredit: SplashBut the winger wasn’t in much of a celebratory mood as he preferred to just walk back to United’s half in front of a jubilant Old Trafford.This comes after the Argentina international was goaded by a supporter outside Old Trafford prior to Thursday’s Europa League win over PAOK.United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to Garnacho on the pitch after the game with Leicester and revealed the Argentine refused to celebrate because he was upset about “losing the faith of some fans”.But Deeney, 36, was having none of it and blasted Garnacho, even suggesting “football is not for him”.Read More on Man UtdThe Watford legend and SunSport columnist insists anyone who plays for a club as great as Man Utd needs to build an immunity against criticism.Deeney told talkSPORT: “I said it last night on Match of the Day, and I’ll repeat it. It goes twofold.“One, it says what players are like nowadays, where their skin is so thin that one gentleman can say what he wants to say and everyone sulks.“And secondly, if he’s getting affected by that, I would say to him, just as an older pro: ‘[I] don’t think this football game is for you, big man’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Because you play for the biggest club in world football. If you play poorly, you’re going to get people to get on your case.”If you play really well, you’re still going to get people to get on your case. You play for Man Utd.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s called jealousy and that’s part of the game. So, disappointed that he didn’t celebrate. It’s an unbelievable goal.“But this will be the making or breaking of him, because if he can’t handle that from one gentleman with an iPhone in his face, then I don’t think this is the game for him, unfortunately.” More